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Orange juice from Belize develops its export potential
Belize
Monday 21 May 2007
The two main citrus fruits grown in Belize in commercial quantities are orange and grapefruit. Like citrus production in the rest of the world oranges represent the larger production percentage in Belize as well. In the last crop year 2005-2006 (Oct-Jun), oranges accounted for 83% of the total production which is indicative of the citrus industry's recent history as well.
Traditionally, orange juice, frozen concentrated (FCOJ), pasteurized (NFCOJ) and Freeze (FrCOJ), account for 75-80% of the all sales of citrus juices and citrus by-products.
The United States of America remain the largest export market for Belizean Orange Juice, accounting for 50% to 60% of the total sales, and slowly increased in the recent years. The second largest market is the Caribbean followed by the local market.
With a population of around three hundred thousand, locally sold orange juice is expected to decline in years to come as the orange production per capita is expected to increase. In addition, the population seems inclined towards the fresh fruit market which has proven to be the more economical choice. Japan could be characterized as a small niche market for Freeze Concentrated Orange Juice (FrCOJ) only, but with the emergence of eastern suppliers and a more tolerable palette, the market has all but disappeared. A striking contrast is the European Market, where for the first time in more than 5 years Frozen Concentrated Orange Juice (FCOJ) was exported, where the market has always been more inclined to Frozen Concentrated Grapefruit Juice (FCGJ).
Traditionally, orange juice, frozen concentrated (FCOJ), pasteurized (NFCOJ) and Freeze (FrCOJ), account for 75-80% of the all sales of citrus juices and citrus by-products.
The United States of America remain the largest export market for Belizean Orange Juice, accounting for 50% to 60% of the total sales, and slowly increased in the recent years. The second largest market is the Caribbean followed by the local market.
With a population of around three hundred thousand, locally sold orange juice is expected to decline in years to come as the orange production per capita is expected to increase. In addition, the population seems inclined towards the fresh fruit market which has proven to be the more economical choice. Japan could be characterized as a small niche market for Freeze Concentrated Orange Juice (FrCOJ) only, but with the emergence of eastern suppliers and a more tolerable palette, the market has all but disappeared. A striking contrast is the European Market, where for the first time in more than 5 years Frozen Concentrated Orange Juice (FCOJ) was exported, where the market has always been more inclined to Frozen Concentrated Grapefruit Juice (FCGJ).
